...the news headlines include a number of stories that reflect the persistence of a past that is everlasting and does not wish to pass...
(Jelin, State Repression and the Struggles for Memory, 2003)

Sunday, 27 December 2009

Argentina Trial Round-Up

Pagina/12 is looking back and forward at the crimes against humanity trials today: for the Spanish-speaking among you, it has a summary of the year's progress and what is awaiting us in 2010. The answer is: plenty more trials. On whole, I'd say the balance is positive. Justice has been delayed for far too long but at least we are seeing significant human rights abusers convicted. Let's hope the momentum keeps going.

Stats: 67 cases brought to trial in 2009

37 sentences from 11 trials - 32 convictions and 5 acquittals

Average delay between case being sent to trial and opening hearing: 1.5 years